Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 19) engaged in a conversation with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, extending his condolences for the tragic loss of lives at Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza.
In the course of their discussion, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Furthermore, he reaffirmed India's consistent stance on the Israel-Palestine issue.
In a statement shared on X, Modi expressed his sympathy, saying, "Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences at the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people."
Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences at the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. Shared our deep concern at the terrorism,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2023
During the conversation, PM Modi also expressed his deep concern about the prevailing terrorism and violence amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.
"Shared our deep concern at the terrorism, violence and deteriorating security situation in the region. Reiterated India’s long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue," PM Modi’s post added.
Additionally, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasised that India's position concerning the Palestine issue has been “longstanding and consistent”. He clarified, "India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders side by side at peace with Israel. That position remains the same."
Earlier, on Wednesday (October 18), PM Modi had conveyed his shock and condolences for the lives lost in the explosion at a Gaza hospital. He expressed his concerns regarding the increasing civilian casualties in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, underlining the need for accountability for those responsible.
Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured.
Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern.…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 18, 2023
In a post on X, PM Modi shared, "Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible."
The explosion at the Gaza City hospital, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed the lives of hundreds of people.
Additionally, the Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, strongly condemned the "horrific" terrorist attack on Israel and stressed the importance of the international community working together to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Bagchi also reiterated India's support for direct negotiations to achieve a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine issue and expressed concern about civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation.
Bagchi added, "There was also the issue of Palestine and on that, we have reiterated our position in favour of direct negotiations for establishing a two-state solution. We have also expressed our concern at the civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation. We would urge the strict observance of international humanitarian law."
As the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its 13th day, global protests against the deadly strike on the Gaza hospital persist. There have been reports of arrests of Jewish anti-war demonstrators within the US Congress, as reported by CNN.
The Palestinian Mission to the UN in Geneva has decried Israeli disinformation and propaganda following the tragic Gaza hospital explosion. According to CNN, more than 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since Hamas's October 7 attack inside Israel, which resulted in the loss of over 1,400 lives.
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